ribbonsofhope

One Lasting Memory

2007-10-19T21:41:00.001-07:00

A beautiful sunset in Fiji. What a wonderful memory to come home with.

Thanks to everyone who followed our experiences and shared your comments.

Fiji

2007-10-17T22:56:00.001-07:00

Since we left you, we've had a wonderful time in paradise. Snorkling, swimming, experiencing Fiji life. The weather, the beaches and the people are all fabulous, including the interesting people we met on the cruise. More details when we get home. Are you ready for the slide show! We'll do our best not to show you all 2,000 plus pictures....we'll try to just show you the best ones.....be prepared....get lots of rest so you don't fall asleep on us. Bev and Donna will be the last to return to reality and are really looking forward to sharing some fun with everyone.
Bula Bula and Vinaka for all your interest. Signing off from Fiji (a little piece of heaven). Leaving for the airport in another hour....then 10 1/2 hours to LA, a stopover there and a chance to visit Hollywood and/or Beverly Hill, then back on the plane and 5 hours to Toronto.

As amazing as this last month has been we are really looking forward to seeing everyone back home.

ULURU-Ayers Rock

2007-10-11T04:02:00.001-07:00

Up at 4am, poised and ready, as the sun sheds its early morning light on Urulu. Awesome!!!!
Walking around Ayres rock we saw some interesting limestone formations.

Bev..At 36*C.....I'm having a hot flash at Ayers Rock...now I've done it all!
A unique hand made chair. If you can take it away, you can have it. It took 8 men to position it there.

We saw the sun rise and set on 'the rock ' today. GOOD NITE!!

We all head in different directions

2007-10-11T03:33:00.001-07:00

While most of the team heads home,

others were on to more of Australia,

Ayers Rock, or Fiji, en route home.

Donna and Bev have landed in the Red Centre...Ayers Rock. It was 36*C as we checked into our Hotel (air conditioned)...and prepared for The Sounds of Silence dinner that night.

Here's to life!! Champagne begins our evening in the outback.

We were serenaded during canapes by a digereedoo player.
Once the sun set, we began dinner... white table cloths, a buffet dinner, all under the bright starry outback sky! I did catch a glimpse of a dingo out of the corner of my eye but I think he got the hint and moved on. A great time was had by all, such a memorable night.

Hitting New Heights

2007-10-11T03:18:00.000-07:00

OOPs it came up twice...but perhaps it just underlines the courage it takes to do this Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb...3hrs . Congrats...bragging rights to you!!
Just to top off the trip!

Lori and Sherry

2007-10-11T03:09:00.001-07:00

Who knew?!? Here are Lori and Sherry basking in the sun--29*C .....with us ( in spirit) at Caloundra Wasaga Beach! Good on ya' mate!

BLUE & PINK BLOGS

2007-10-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Somehow we entered 2 blogs so if you are viewing the 'pink' bordered blog...don't forget to check out the 'blue' bordered one as well.
By going to VIEW MY COMPLETE PROFILE and clicking on both 'ribbons of hope' offered sites you'll see the complete blogs...blue border (top choice)and pink border(lower choice).
Good luck!

Cairns etc

2007-10-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

Karen giving the sheep a close shave.

Having lunch at the Clarington Hotel ...in the style to which we have been accustomed!

Sydney Environs

2007-10-10T20:52:00.001-07:00

Let the real games begin!
Sydney Olympic site 2000
How the other half shops!!
Sydney brings breast cancer month into the public eye...a pink building downtown Sydney!

Great Barrier Reef

2007-10-10T00:38:00.001-07:00

Sue & Barb getting ready for the big adventure.

We did it. Yippee!!!!

Cairns to Sydney

2007-10-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

++Updates in words only, sorry, thime is short these last few days.
Cairns Reef- The group going out to the Great Barrier Reef the day before us had very windy conditions and most were sick, so armed with our sea sick pills we headed out on the large catamaran. It was an overcast day...but fairly calm! Most of the team went snorkelling. The coral and the fish were everywhere!!! An awesome experience.

flight to Sydney- Up at 3am to do so
We've seen the city by soot, by bus tour and by harbour boat tour. We've all been impressed with Sydney's beauty. Kathy S, Donna and Robin did the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and they're still flying high! The rest visited the Aquarium, or shopped (opals and gifts) or did the Sydney Opera house tour.
Stay tuned for the Blue Mountains trip tomorrow (Saturday)

More Hightlights!

2007-10-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Nancy & Dave enjoying the ferry ride to Fraser Island.
No, Kathy, you can't take him home. We've had enough trouble with customs!

Who knew that Baskin Robbins ice cream in Cairns, Australia was produced in Peterborough, Ontario. Janis did!!!!
From her smile, you know Robin is enjoying our time downunder. Wait 'til you see her pictures.
After a hard day of sight seeing we start to resemble the Roo's.

Cairns - Rainforest

2007-10-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

A tropical rainforest adventure via an Army Duck amphibian vehicle....built during WW II by women and used in the Normandy invasion.
We hit the water...this time without the paddles, No crocs in sight (except on Bev's feet).
Taken through the train window as we approached the rainforest....from engine to caboose.
Donna & Kathy....love the view....amazing experience!
The aborigines performed and danced, played the digeredo and gave dance lessons. Wait 'til we get home and you see our version.

fraser island /opening ceremony/race day

2007-09-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

We trucked through sand and bush in our magic bus. Terrific scenery...plus whales, dingos, iguana, snakes and the many colours of Fraser Is sand.
Enjoyed a fresh water lake swim . An island surrounded by salt water with this beauty in the center.
A sea of 2000 pink paddlers for the opening ceremonies.
Our race site venue made specifically for paddling events..Lake Kawana (man made)
Marshalling for our first race!....we came 6th in our heat. Good fun for all....2o smiles in a boat!!!

Team meeting NITE

2007-09-29T04:10:00.000-07:00

After a team dinner hosted by Janis, Rick and Bev (wine, spagetti, garlic bread salad and make your own sundays...no baskin Robbins here) we got ready for the opening ceremony and Friday's parade. This team banner was made by local school children.

Setting Up The Blog

2007-09-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Team at the Barrie Festival....what a send off for Australia!

Bev and Donna getting ready to learn how to set up the blog with Lou instructing.